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158 HxH: The Strongest Assassin
🕑 Added 2024-12-03 06:00:08 +0000 UTCWhen Kaizen received Melina's email, he was a little surprised.
By now, Kaizen had basically confirmed her identity: the illegitimate daughter of the Kakin Empire's royal family. Altan had managed to dig up some relevant information.
It was connected to the Heil-Ly Family—a significant presence within the Kakin Empire. However, Melina wasn't the leader of the Heil-Ly Family, just one of its members. Her purpose here was to participate in the Auction.
"Most likely, it's on behalf of the Fourth Prince," Kaizen thought.
He recalled that in the original timeline of the Succession Contest arc, Melina's family had been in a cooperative relationship with the Fourth Prince, Tserriednich Hui Guo Rou. However, that cooperation didn't begin with the voyage on the Black Whale. It had likely started much earlier.
The Kakin royal family followed its traditions. The respective mothers of the princes would provide assistance to their children whenever possible, often using family connections. The infamous ceremony wasn't exclusive to this generation, it had been a long-standing rite in the Kakin Empire. Even the current King, Nasubi Hui Guo Rou, had undergone the ritual in his youth.
"The Fourth Prince... Tserriednich," Kaizen murmured, remembering something from the auction records. "He's obsessed with collecting human organs, particularly rare ones like Scarlet Eyes. Items of that nature often show up in Yorknew auctions. He'll likely be interested in something here."
Kaizen had been corresponding with Melina via email, but he could tell this was more than her personal interest. If Melina had extended an invitation, it was clear she had received approval from her family to reach out.
"Still, it doesn't matter much," Kaizen thought.
The Heil-Ly Family had the backing of the Kakin Empire, but Kaizen had the Zoldyck family behind him. And their regard for Kaizen far outweighed the Heil-Ly Family's regard for Melina.
The next day, Kaizen met Melina at a video game arcade. They spent the entire day there, leaving only in the evening.
For Kaizen, it was just another outing, but for Melina, it might have been one of the happiest days of her life. Despite her status, she rarely had the opportunity to enjoy herself so freely.
Meanwhile, an older woman, who seemed to be observing from a distance, took note of Kaizen. She didn't approach directly, but she had gathered enough information through other means.
"He's a competitor on the 200th floor of Heavens Arena?" the woman muttered to herself. "And at this age, to have already reached that level… impressive. I wonder which organization he belongs to."
Her eyes flickered with interest before she disappeared into the crowd.
...
Finally, the Yorknew City Auction officially began.
People from all over the world—wealthy elites, underworld figures, and collectors—flocked to the venue. It wasn't confined to just one building, multiple locations throughout the city were part of the event, turning the entire area into a bustling hub.
Kaizen noticed the heavy presence of underworld gangs. Many of them were accompanied by Nen users.
"In the original timeline," Kaizen mused, "the Phantom Troupe attacked during the auction, and the Shadow Beasts were stationed nearby. I wonder if they'll show up this time."
Kaizen handed his invitation to the guard at the door, who verified it and returned it to him.
"This way, please," the guard said, gesturing Kaizen inside.
As Kaizen entered the venue, his attention shifted to the crystal ball displayed prominently in the hall. The absorption progress, which had stagnated for some time, began to accelerate now that the auction was underway.
Kaizen took a seat in the audience, scanning the stage as the auctioneer took her position. She was a striking woman with an air of confidence, her bold attire matching the extravagant atmosphere of the event.
The crowd was a mix of serious buyers and casual spectators. Some were there to make significant purchases, while others simply wanted to witness the spectacle. Many of the wealthiest figures, Kaizen knew, avoided attending in person. Instead, they sent representatives to bid on their behalf, minimizing risks and preventing competitive sabotage.
After the auction ended, Kaizen headed to a nearby coffee shop.
Not long after, Melina entered, spotting Kaizen immediately.
"Kaizen, over here!" she called, walking over quickly.
Kaizen waved her over, and she took a seat across from him.
"Did you manage to win anything?" Melina asked eagerly.
Kaizen shook his head. "No. The prices were too high. What about you?"
"Same here," she replied. "But my family's elders bought a few items. Oh, by the way, I've heard something about that game you mentioned—Greed Island."
"Really?" Kaizen perked up.
"Yes, but I don't have all the details yet. I'll let you know as soon as I find out more."
"Thanks, Melina. I appreciate it," Kaizen said with a smile. "When the time comes, let's form a team and play together."
"Sure!"
The two continued chatting for a while before Melina checked the time and reluctantly stood up.
"I need to head to the next auction site," she said.
Kaizen nodded. "Alright. Stay safe."
As Melina walked away, she couldn't help but reflect on her life. Despite being born with royal blood, her illegitimacy left her trapped in a shadowy underworld. She lacked the noble status of the princes, and yet she also didn't have the freedom of an ordinary civilian.
This existence felt more suffocating than any other.
The opportunity to leave the Kakin Empire, even temporarily, was a rare escape for her. Meeting Kaizen, someone who seemed so free and unburdened, only amplified her longing for a different life.
But just as she reached her destination, a thunderous explosion shook the city.
Kaizen looked up sharply, his gaze locking onto the scene. One of the buildings nearby had been torn open by a massive blast, flames licking at the edges of the gaping hole. Debris rained down as panicked screams filled the air.
"An air explosion?" Kaizen muttered, narrowing his eyes.
